Life caught up with me in the last few weeks and I was unable to get my weekly mocks done. Part of it was personal issues other was work. That said, I finally have had enough time to put my mock together. I wanted to do it before the Juniors declared.

1. D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama, 6’6, 335, 5.10

This is pick allows upgrades at OT and OG since it would kick Winston into the OG spot. I think this year we have finally seen Winston get exposed. Put him up against a speedy DE/OLB and he is toast. With a league moving more towards passing and speedy quick OTs it is clear that Winston needs to be moved to OG where his strength is better utilized. Winston as an OG is an instant upgrade to Brisel.

So with that in mind, I take the perfect OT for Houston: D.J. Fluker. Some may prefer Mike Adams, but he, like Winston struggles against fast pass rushers. Instead, I suggest D.J. Fluker. Here is the guy we need. He is a big strong athletic pass protector. He has the feet, the agility, and ability to take on the athletic pass rushers. He also is a bulldozing roadgrading run blocker who creates holes for his RB. He has the capability of playing in the ZBS or in a more traditional power game. He is not quite athletic enough for LT but would be a perfect fit for us at RT.

2. Kevin Zeitler, OG, Wisconsin, 6’4, 312lbs, 5.21
Oh yes I did. I have now solidified the O line with a VERY good OG. He has done a fantastic job at Wisconsin and would also be able to start from day 1 over Smith. He has the strength to take on those big DTs and is also an excellent run blocker. With these 2 draft moves, I have completely rejuvinated the Texans O-line.

Brown--Zeitler--Myers--Winston--Fluker---

This is a huge improvement in my opinion.

3. Ryan Broyles, WR/PR, Oklahoma, Oklahoma, 5’11, 185, 4.46
A great WR has size, hands, route running, speed, and football intelligence. If you get all 5 attributes you wind up with an Andre Johnson, and let’s be honest, Andre Johnsons don’t last until the third round. Instead, in the third round you need to get as many of these factors as you can. I say go 4/5 and get Broyles. He has great hands, speed, great route running, and has football intelligence. He isn’t tall, but he can make up for that. Another bonus for Broyles is that he can return punts and is actually pretty good at it. He is the kind of WR we need opposite AJ and the guy we have all wanted JJ to become.

4. Kendall Reyes, DE, Connecticut, 6’4, 295, 4.90
One thing we have learned this season is the importance of depth. No matter where the Texans finish this year, the adage next man up has made this team a ton of fun to watch. So, going that route, time to get some depth for the DE. I suggest a developmental DE for Wade to groom and teach. He is not yet ready, but give him some time and he can become a great rotational DE for Wade’s 3-4.

5. Hebron Fangupo, NT, BYU, 6’1, 331lbs, 5.08
At the moment I have him as a 4th/5th round prospect. I know a lot of people here are enthralled. but here are three reasons he drops. 1) He put up 1 solid, yet unspectacular year at BYU. Previously he transferred from USC to BYU and didn’t do a whole lot at the “University of Sexual Ballers.” 2) Age. He is already 26 years old and will be 27 as a rookie. 3) he is not ready for the NFL and will need a year or two to get coached up. Now combine that with his age. If he needs an additional 2 years, he will be around 29 by the time he sees meaningful time with the team? Now, you see why I have dropped him to the 5th. That said, in the fifth, he represents great value and would be a great developmental DL for Wade.

6. T-Bob Hebert, OL, LSU, 6’3, 300, 5.13
Yes, another O line. No, you are not seeing things. I happen to think this is a great year for OL. Hebert is a versatile combo OG/C/OT that looks most like a Center to me. He started 9 games for LSU as a Center in 2009, was the RG starter in 2010, and played as a rotational Center this year. He brings bigger size and strength than Myers AND has played major minutes three years in the tough nasty SEC. I think he would be great as a 6th rounder. Give him a year to develop and we could very well be seeing the Texans future Center. Plus, how many times can you draft a guy named T-Bob?!

7. Quinn Sharp, K/P, Oklahoma State, 6’1, 189
To me Sharp provides excellent value. I like Rackers, but he has missed some very makeable punts. Rackers is only 50% on 40-49 yarders. He really should be doing a better job in this area. I think Sharp is as good as Rackers, if not a bit better. He made clutch kicks in the Fiesta Bowl and would cost A LOT less. Plus he is a great insurance policy for Hartman since Sharp is also a good punter. Sharp could be brought in and Hartmann could be given the opportunity to keep his job. If he can’t, Hartmann gets cut, Sharp takes over Punting and Kicking and now the Texans have an extra spot on the roster available.

1&2. I have no problem with the first 2 picks, this is a good year, not great, for O-linemen, and a move like this would give us a major shot of youth and talent on the O-line solidifying it for years to come. I think these first 2 picks nullify the need for #6 though. With the first 2 picks we'd get alot better at RT, RG, and in our depth as our current starters would be moved down to depth spots, Caldwell, Brisiel, and Smith would vastly improve our depth on the O-line. I seriously doubt something like this happens since Kubiak seems to be in love with Winston at RT, but if it did I'd support it. Fluker is a sophomore though so he probably goes back to school next year.
3. Broyles in the 3rd, Hmmmm? I guess this would depend on who's available. I think there might be someone better and less injured available in the 3rd since this is such a deep draft for WR, someones bound to fall a little. I'd hope for Streeter, Fuller, Criner, Toon, White, Jenkins, or Randle here.
4. Reyes, not a bad pick if he's still available. He'd add some rotational depth behind Antonio Smith. This is a weak year for D-linemen so he may go earlier just out of necessity to some teams.
5. Fangupo, I'm not very familiar with him but I think your right on the round since he's a developmental player. He's got the size but does he have the strength and athleticism?
6. See 1&2. I'd pick different here but that's just nitpicking.
7. Sharp, again not familiar with this guy but I like your line of thinking. I don't understand why more kickers aren't doing double duty in the NFL at K and P.

1&2. I have no problem with the first 2 picks, this is a good year, not great, for O-linemen, and a move like this would give us a major shot of youth and talent on the O-line solidifying it for years to come. I think these first 2 picks nullify the need for #6 though. With the first 2 picks we'd get alot better at RT, RG, and in our depth as our current starters would be moved down to depth spots, Caldwell, Brisiel, and Smith would vastly improve our depth on the O-line. I seriously doubt something like this happens since Kubiak seems to be in love with Winston at RT, but if it did I'd support it. Fluker is a sophomore though so he probably goes back to school next year.
3. Broyles in the 3rd, Hmmmm? I guess this would depend on who's available. I think there might be someone better and less injured available in the 3rd since this is such a deep draft for WR, someones bound to fall a little. I'd hope for Streeter, Fuller, Criner, Toon, White, Jenkins, or Randle here.
4. Reyes, not a bad pick if he's still available. He'd add some rotational depth behind Antonio Smith. This is a weak year for D-linemen so he may go earlier just out of necessity to some teams.
5. Fangupo, I'm not very familiar with him but I think your right on the round since he's a developmental player. He's got the size but does he have the strength and athleticism?
6. See 1&2. I'd pick different here but that's just nitpicking.
7. Sharp, again not familiar with this guy but I like your line of thinking. I don't understand why more kickers aren't doing double duty in the NFL at K and P.

1/2. I have no idea what Fluker does. He could stay in school or go to the pros. At the moment he is a fringe first, but he will wow people at the combine. If he declares he will be a first rounder. OTs that big that move that well don't come often. But yeah, Kubes probably would never move his boy Winston.

3. I think Broyles gives great value at his spot. He tore his ACL but that was his only injury in college(that I am aware). None of the other WRs you mentioned gives the same combo that Broyles does. He has the ever important game breaking speed that this team needs. I am not impressed at all with Jeff Fuller: great measurable but mediocre NFL player. Reminds me of Limas Sweed. Streeter is interesting but pretty raw with route running. Toon is a solid player, but doesn't have the speed(reminds me of a Kevin Walter). Jenkins is a great player but doesn't have PR speed. Criner looks solid as does White.

4. Wasn't really sure where to go in the 4th. Seemed to me that the team has plenty of OLB but was lacking in DE depth.

5. You are right, he simply doesn't have the ability to play yet. Give Wade a year or two with him and he could be a solid DL depth player, right now he isn't there. Plus think about his age.

6. I hear you, but we have seen the backup C hike the ball WAY over Delhomme's head last weekend. Is that the kind of depth you want? Not me. Austin would have hiked it over the head of Yao Ming had Yao been the QB. What I like about T-Bob is he has played C in the tough SEC and done fine. If you can play OL in the SEC, you are good to go in the NFL.

7. As we get to the point where teams need to carry extra players, I think you will begin to see more K/P combos. With so many injuries, it is better to carry an extra position player than an extra kicker. I also think the days of the sole long snapper is heading to an end as well. Gotta be versatile these days with so few roster spots.

I'm agreeing with 6151 here that Winston will not be moved. Can Fluker play RG or LG?
Zeitler is a good bet also.

Winston probably would not get moved, but if Kubes really thought about it, it makes a lot of sense to move him. There is no shame in moving on the OL.

Can Fluker play OG? Probably, but I don't think you maximize his talent if you do that. He needs to be on the edge, getting an opportunity to step out and maul the DL on running plays or step in and deal with the speedy OLBs/DEs. Unless we play in a division that employs 4 speedy DEs on the DL, then I don't see the value of playing him at OG. He could get the job done, but you lose a lot when you do so.

Think of it like this: could you drive a Ferrari at 55mph: sure, but you don't take advantage of its assets at 55.

4. Wasn't really sure where to go in the 4th. Seemed to me that the team has plenty of OLB but was lacking in DE depth.

I hear you on the uncertainty, I was that way with my 5th round pick in my last mock. Just a suggestion, why not pick a DT/NT in the 4th round thus getting a better player but he'll also rotate with Cody at NT and free us up to move Mitchell to DE depth. Kill 2 birds with 1 stone. I'd look at guys like Sylvester Williams, Tydreke Powell, Mike Martin, Delvin Johnson, or Marcus Forston depending on his injury recovery. Maybe Kawann Short fall to us if we're lucky. Anyway just a suggestion.

The punter - kicker thing just makes so much sense, why hasn't the NFL done this yet.

No I could not drive a Ferrari 55 mph, it's just not in me, 80 minimum.

Life caught up with me in the last few weeks and I was unable to get my weekly mocks done. Part of it was personal issues other was work. That said, I finally have had enough time to put my mock together. I wanted to do it before the Juniors declared.

1. D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama, 6’6, 335, 5.10

This is pick allows upgrades at OT and OG since it would kick Winston into the OG spot. I think this year we have finally seen Winston get exposed. Put him up against a speedy DE/OLB and he is toast. With a league moving more towards passing and speedy quick OTs it is clear that Winston needs to be moved to OG where his strength is better utilized. Winston as an OG is an instant upgrade to Brisel.

2. Kevin Zeitler, OG, Wisconsin, 6’4, 312lbs, 5.21
Oh yes I did. I have now solidified the O line with a VERY good OG. He has done a fantastic job at Wisconsin and would also be able to start from day 1 over Smith. He has the strength to take on those big DTs and is also an excellent run blocker. With these 2 draft moves, I have completely rejuvinated the Texans O-line.

Brown--Zeitler--Myers--Winston--Fluker---

The Texans OL is one of the best in the NFL .... I can see spending one high pick there but not two .... pushing WR down to the 3rd round when this is the biggest need on the roster.
I could probably be convinced to take two OL in the top three picks but .... not the top two consecutively.

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3. Ryan Broyles, WR/PR, Oklahoma, Oklahoma, 5’11, 185, 4.46
A great WR has size, hands, route running, speed, and football intelligence. If you get all 5 attributes you wind up with an Andre Johnson

Size at 5'11" 185? He's nowhere near AJ size - he's 6'3" 225.

I'll agree with his hands , speed and route running but he lacks size.

Its going to be real hard to guage where Broyles goes due to the injuries.

Those injury concers and valid .... and with this being the Texans biggest need Im not comfortable taking a guy recovering from a serious injury to his wheels .... when his wheels are his money maker.
If he is healthy come the combine and hasnt lost any speed or change of direction .... I might change my opinion. But if thats the case he probably goes long before the Texans pick late in the 3rd round.

The Texans OL is one of the best in the NFL .... I can see spending one high pick there but not two .... pushing WR down to the 3rd round when this is the biggest need on the roster.
I could probably be convinced to take two OL in the top three picks but .... not the top two consecutively.

While the Texans OL has been good, I don't think it has been as good as people think. When the Offense has faced stout DLs, the offense has had difficulty. Look at Baltimore, Pitt, and Oakland. The team scored 20 points or less and even struggled against Miami. Then with a rook QB and no AJ, they struggled against Atl and Cincy. To compete for championships, the O line has to get better and be able to move and score tds against the best Defenses. Adding two very good OL to just that.

WR is a concern, but OL is a bigger one in my mind. I actually see the Texans getting a pretty good receiver in FA.

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Originally Posted by Corrosion

Size at 5'11" 185? He's nowhere near AJ size - he's 6'3" 225.

I'll agree with his hands , speed and route running but he lacks size.

Its going to be real hard to guage where Broyles goes due to the injuries.

Those injury concers and valid .... and with this being the Texans biggest need Im not comfortable taking a guy recovering from a serious injury to his wheels .... when his wheels are his money maker.
If he is healthy come the combine and hasnt lost any speed or change of direction .... I might change my opinion. But if thats the case he probably goes long before the Texans pick late in the 3rd round.

Dont know a whole lot about the rest of these guy's.

I think you misunderstood me. I did not say that Broyles has size. I said that very good wrs have hands , speed, route running, football intelligence, and size. If you get all of those factors you wind up with AJ. But, as we all know, Andre Johnson type players don't fall into the third round. Therefore I was saying we should get a guy who has as many of those factors as possible (knowing we can't get all of them). I chose Broyles becuase he has hands , speed, route running, and football intelligence. I completely agree he does not have the size.

And he tore his ACL which usually requires 7-9 months to be ready to go. Surgery was in mid November so he will be ready to go by July or September, so he will not be running at the combine or his pro day. That said, I would take a chance on him. He has been a very dependable receiver at OU and has never had major injury concerns before.

I hear you on the uncertainty, I was that way with my 5th round pick in my last mock. Just a suggestion, why not pick a DT/NT in the 4th round thus getting a better player but he'll also rotate with Cody at NT and free us up to move Mitchell to DE depth. Kill 2 birds with 1 stone. I'd look at guys like Sylvester Williams, Tydreke Powell, Mike Martin, Delvin Johnson, or Marcus Forston depending on his injury recovery. Maybe Kawann Short fall to us if we're lucky. Anyway just a suggestion.

The punter - kicker thing just makes so much sense, why hasn't the NFL done this yet.

No I could not drive a Ferrari 55 mph, it's just not in me, 80 minimum.

Fluker could play NT in certain situations, becoming a two-way player, rotating with current players depending on match-up & situations. If injury occurs then he becomes starter solidifying traditional single position. I don't see Kubiak kicking Winston inside. Eric gets over extended @ times because he plays every single down & Wade still needs the proverbial situation run stopper in middle. Why not kill two birds with one stone?

While the Texans OL has been good, I don't think it has been as good as people think. When the Offense has faced stout DLs, the offense has had difficulty. Look at Baltimore, Pitt, and Oakland. The team scored 20 points or less and even struggled against Miami. Then with a rook QB and no AJ, they struggled against Atl and Cincy. To compete for championships, the O line has to get better and be able to move and score tds against the best Defenses. Adding two very good OL to just that.

Like I said , I wouldnt mind using two of the top three picks on the OL , just not #'s 1 and 2 consecutively.
I really dont see them drafting an OT to replace Winston .... He's had a few forgettable moments but has been solid for the most part , especially run blocking.
I can see taking an OG ....

Quote:

WR is a concern, but OL is a bigger one in my mind. I actually see the Texans getting a pretty good receiver in FA.

This team is going to be cash strapped trying to fit their current players in under tha cap and will likely have to make some surprise cuts (Leinart, J.Jones) to get it done.
What FA WR's would be available that would come at a price allowing them some room under the cap?

Quote:

And he tore his ACL which usually requires 7-9 months to be ready to go. Surgery was in mid November so he will be ready to go by July or September, so he will not be running at the combine or his pro day. That said, I would take a chance on him. He has been a very dependable receiver at OU and has never had major injury concerns before.

With a window of July to Sept I have to wonder if he (Broyles) might drop further than the 3rd round. Not being able to step on the field until Sept .... He may not contribute at all next season. That could really push him down ... to round 4 or even 5?
If he hadnt gotten hurt he was easily a late first round talent .... Just dont know where he ends up.

Fluker could play NT in certain situations, becoming a two-way player, rotating with current players depending on match-up & situations. If injury occurs then he becomes starter solidifying traditional single position. I don't see Kubiak kicking Winston inside. Eric gets over extended @ times because he plays every single down & Wade still needs the proverbial situation run stopper in middle. Why not kill two birds with one stone?

I hadn't thought of FLuker as a situational NT but it is an interesting thought. He has the size, speed, and footwork. I think he would likely be a better traditional clogging NT than a penetrating one though.

What are thoughts on Doug Martin RB from Boise State. He's got good return ability, and has shown good vision on his runs. He's projecting as a mid round pick, so maybe 4th?

I was looking at Martin yesterday as he has weight and speed with good cutting ability. Have to admit, I've only watched him once if I recall & did not focus on him. His stats are good & I will watch him more at combine. I still can't decide if Ward should be invited back. He fits well as a third back but his age could catch up any minuite. Whoops, there it is.

__________________
I want to be able to recognize the difference between a "want" and a "need" and then I want to be satisfied with getting a need

I had a chance to watch Fluker in the NCG last night and he is not quite ready for the NFL. While he did very well on run blocking he wiffed a couple of times on pass protection and allowed an LSU DE to get after the QB. It wasn't horrible, but this display pretty much tells me he is not ready.

I thought if he had a strong performance he would come out, but i don't think he will. I think he returns to school and becomes the teams LT next year.